"We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Our hearts were never broken
And time's forever frozen, still"
—Ed Sheeran

"The person you've called is not available. At the tone, please record your message. When you're finished recording, you may hang up or press one for more options."

The beep sounds and I began. "Hey Susanna! I forgot to ring you earlier, so I'm calling now to tell you that I've found some pictures we can use . . . they're a bit—uh . . . graphic, but I think it will really open up peoples eyes to child abuse. Call me back!" I hang up and take a long sip of my chamomile tea.

Reid is still tangled up in bed, and leaving the bed was hard with his muscular arms pulling me back into his chest. I decided to shove my pillow in his arms and almost busted up laughing when he snuggle up and kiss it. It was quite adorable—seeing a big, scary bad boy . . . kissing a pillow.

I'd to gotten up at an earlier time and managed to take a shower, blow dry my hair, and style it—and that never happens!

I threw together an outfit fairly quickly; an oversized denim jacket, baby pink T-shirt with white strips, white skinny jeans with rips in the knees and Old Skool black vans.

It's been a while since I've dressed to impress, so wearing this makes me feel confident.

"Hello sexy," a raspy morning voice murmured in my ears. I shiver and turn around to see my Reid. Even when he's just woken up he looks amazing. I don't know how he does it.

"Good morning!" I chirp. Reid moves around the island and sits at a stool while I pour him some coffee. I've memorized how he takes it too . . . I must be such a creep.

I turn and place the warm mug in front of him. Our fingers brush as he takes the mug for a quick sip. Once the liquid touches his tongue he flinched and sets down the mug.

"Careful baby, it's hot." I say after the fact. A devious grin smacks my face while he holds his tongue.

"Shit that burned," He leans in closer to me, til we're only a hair apart. His musky scent envelopes me. "Now you have to kiss my boo boo."

My eyes widen as I stare at him. He can't be serious! But the smirk on his face says otherwise. He grabs my hand and guides me to his side of the counter. I stand in between his broad legs, and his fingers caress my thighs.

I lean in and out lips touch. Every time we kiss it's like we're the only two people in the world. I can feel his love and passion as our lips move together. Doing what he said, I slip my tongue in his mouth and caress his. Hopefully that'll take care of his 'boo boo.'

We pull apart and sigh. "Are you sure we have to go?" Reid complains, "Why can't we just stay here and snuggle all day?"

I giggle and run my fingers over his chest. "Weren't you the one that told me I had to go?"

He gives me a defeated glare and pouts his lips. It takes all my strength not to kiss them once more. "Fine," He whined. I give him one last kiss before putting my mug in the dishwasher. When I turn around the room is vacant, Reid must've gone up to change.

"Wow, you're up early!" Holly says while yawning.

"Yeah yeah," I move over to her and wrap my arms around her waist. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, it makes me sad not seeing you anymore," She shoves her head into the crook of my neck.

"Hey," she pulls away and grabs my shoulders, "how bout we go dress shopping?" The excitement in her voice hints how much she wants me with her.

"Dress shopping for what?" Her jaw drops and she stares at me like I've grown two heads.

"The prom silly! It's next week, how could you not have—" she stops abruptly, looking down. I couldn't have known because I was kidnapped and tortured.

"Okay, I'll go! What's the theme?"

"A Masquerade Ball."

"When should we go shopping?"

"Uh—after school, duh!"

"Class, class. Settle down. Today I'm sending you guys to different locations around school so you can finish up your projects in peace." Ms. Short says while taking off her glasses and pinching he bridge of her nose. Her wrinkles showing more prominently.

Susanna and I were sent to the library. We set down our materials at the wooden table and get started.

"So what did you want to show me?" Susanna asks while digging through her bag. I take this time to pull of the box with black roses on it. Susanna's eyes snap to the box and she looks at me for permission to open. I grant her with a nod and she begins to carefully remove the lid.

And audible gasp of fear and shock emits from her. She brings her hands to her mouth to muffle the sound, but it's too late. "Oh Meredith," her hand reaches into the box as she picks up each picture.

"It's okay to use these, right?" I ask hesitantly.

"Of course, but I don't know how the other students will take it."

"Well, screw what they think." I reply. This makes Susanna's eyes light up and she nods eagerly. We take the majority of our time taping the polaroids to the display board. We've already come up with our presentation so we'll be going up today. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous, in fact, I'm terrified. I've never shared something so meaningful and influential to anyone besides my family.

We sigh as we sit back and do an once over of our display bored. All the polaroids are set in rows, while facts about child abuse adorn the wings of the board.

Heading back to class is when everything finally hit me and panic ran through my cold veins.

"Hey," Susanna stops, taking my hand in hers. "We'll do fine, I'm gonna be right next to you." I nod as we proceed the classroom.

"Alright, Susanna Hammond and Meredith Hills." Ms. Short announces. So far, six people have gone up to present; us being the seventh.

I rise on shaky feet and move to the front of the class with Susanna trailing behind me. We set up our board to the point where you can't see my pictures yet, that'll come in a bit. First, we have to make our grabber.

Susanna clears her throat and begins, "Child abuse is physical, sexual, or psychological neglect of a child by a parent, guardian or adult. An estimated 68% are abused by a family member . . ."

She trails off and I begin, "Me, being one of them." I open the display bored and an echo of gasps chime though the classrooms concrete walls.

"It all started after the death of my father and sister. My mother immediately turned on me, left me for dead. Some days she'd spare me the pain and only yell at me . . . other days, she'd get physical—as you can see." I motion to the pictures on the board, "Ever since she first used any physical abuse, I started taking pictures.

"I'm lucky to have survived. Once in a while she'd leave me for days, even weeks without food or clean water. I'd have to fend for myself. Luckily, I had the Philips to take care of me when mother wasn't there. Lisa never questioned why I always had bandages and scars—which I appreciated at a young age.

"Early these three months, I thought I was going to die. The pain became overbearing and I constantly felt like I was drowning. I ran from her when she was about to—" My throat closed and I close my eyes. I can fear big fat tears roll down my cheek and Susannas hand stroking my arm. I take a deep breath and blurt out the words.

"She was going to k–kill me." Another array of gasps elicit from their throats as I break down before my classmates.

I pull myself together quickly and continue, "If I didn't get away from her I'd be six feet under, cold and alone. That's why I'm so grateful to be standing up here with all of you today. I know some of you might not like me," I look to Vivian, surprised when I see black tears roll down her cheeks. "I'm not asking you to, but what I am asking is that if you are, or know someone that's going through what I went through; save them, save yourself. There is an amazing word beyond the walls of pain, and let me tell you—it must be seen. There is light in darkness. There is a savior when you're a victim. There is hope in this shitty world, and if you're dead you won't be able to experience it."

I finish. It's quiet for a split second before loud claps are heard through the classroom almost sounding like a stampede. Almost every student is crying at my story.

"So brave."

"I couldn't imagine going through that."

"She's badass."

"I'm sorry," I hear through the claps. I turn and see Vivian, her makeup running down her face. "I'm so, so sorry. I don't think there's anything I can say that'll make you forgive me," She weeps.

Surprising her and myself, I pull her into my embrace and softly cry with her. "Just you saying that makes this a whole lot better."

"You're so strong. Stronger than you may know. I regret everything I've said and done, I hope you can forgive me."

I pull away and look into her green eyes that shone with tears. "I forgive you."

A/N:

YOU.
GUYS.

THANK YOU SOOOO SOOOO MUCH FOR 1.07k READS. IM SO STOKED!

It truly does mean a lot. My expectation was only a small portion would read—but no! It's crazy knowing 1,000+ readers opened Delicacy and read along.
So thank you! ❤️

I plan on a lot more through the story so continue reading and share!

And I always love hearing your thoughts and ideas so please keep it up!

Xoxo,
rrosebudd